The current theory of evolution that is being taught all over the schools is as propounded by Charles Darwin. Though a direct evidence of evolution as mentioned by Darwin is yet to come, there is enough indication that his inferences derived from the observations made during his famous voyage hold hints of truth. What is missing however in his theory is whether there is a driving force behind evolution other than random accidents, chance, heredity. natural selection and survival of the fittest. None of these theories really explain evolution and leave big gaps in our understanding. At best it tells us about the evolution of forms which is as far as material and biological science can go.
The theory of Vedantic evolution is that there is a consciousness hidden within the form whose progressive emergence is the inner cause of evolution. Hence it is termed as manifestation. The forms emerge under the pressure of a growing consciousness. Their purpose is to express newer possibilities that emerge with the growth of consciousness. Through this long process the Divine Consciousness embedded within matter, in every particle of creation would eventually fully emerge thereby divinising earthly life. Right now forms have evolved to accommodate the mental consciousness but evolution will go further. Its next step is the emergence of a form that can express the perfect consciousness. the challenges and upheavals mankind is facing today are, therefore, as in the past, evolutionary crisis.
The nodal point of this evolution is the soul in man whose growth is the main concern of Vedanta. Tantra with its idea of lakhs of species complements the other side. The 84lakhs forms are the hierarchical transiting points or steps of the evolving soul. The work of the Avatar is to help in major transitions as we see in the parable of the Dashavatar.
